What Causes Or "Activates" A Cold Sore Recurrence?

There are many factors that can influence or "trigger" a cold sore outbreak, however, it seems to be related to times when the immune system is lowered or run down.

Cold sore outbreaks can sometimes be triggered by the following:

• Being run-down
• Menstruation Cycle
• Pregnancy
• Drinking a lot of alcohol
• Exposure of the area to strong sunlight
• Conditions that compromise a person's immune system (where the body's immune system is not functioning normally)
• Prolonged periods of stress
• Fatigue
• Ultraviolet light
• Skin irritation (such as sunburn)
• Diet and certain foods
• Another illness (especially with fever)
• Temperature extremes
• Steroid medication (e.g., asthma medication)
  

Anything that lowers your immune system or causes local injury can trigger recurrences.